SAMY BURCH'S Life at the Movies (COYOTE VS ACME, LATE FAME, MAY DECEMBER)
Summary
Host Grant Moniger interviews writer Sammy Birch, who shares her cinematic journey from a film-obsessed childhood to her career. They discuss formative screenings like *A Thousand Clowns* and *Taking Off*, her high school film club days, and hosting apartment movie nights. Birch also highlights favorite theaters and a double feature of *Smile* and *Hands on a Hard Body*.
Topics discussed
Introduction: A lie about renting 'Taking Off'
Movie theater rituals: Seating, Sprite, and snacks
Childhood memories: First movies and box office numbers
Parents' influence: Movie-obsessed dad and casting mom
Growing up with classic films and 'A Thousand Clowns'
Placing 'A Thousand Clowns' as Opening Night
High school film club and obsessing over 'Party Monster'
NYC cinema scene: Angelica, Film Forum, and Milos Forman
The 'Taking Off' lie revealed and placed as Secret Screening
Home screenings with Alex: Ice cream and obscure films
Slamdance discovery: 'The Dirties' as Audience Award
Why 'Pollyanna' is a beautiful, optimistic film
Cinematheque memories: Debbie Reynolds and Legion Theater
Double Feature: 'Smile' and 'Hands on a Hard Body'
Midnight Movies: 'The Wrong Guy' and 'Adam's Family Values'
Coyote vs. Acme funeral screening and 'The Firm' pairing
Closing Night debate: 'Badlands' vs 'Paper Moon'
Final Sammy Birch Film Festival lineup and conclusion
Listen ad-free on Castria